Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of urine , decay and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, additional information it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at at this website the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.